Monday, May 3, 2010

Okay, so that was actually in April. Now we’re in May and I’m not sure what we’re celebrating this month. So, let’s take a walk back in time (like 4 days ago) and discuss women and cars.

First of all, I think too few women know what they should about maintaining their vehicles, at least under the hood. I know that we love what our cars look like and what the interior looks like, but what’s going on under the hood is what will keep that nice lookin’ vehicle running. That’s where Motor Oil Matters and AskPatty come in to play.

At M.O.M. you will learn more than you ever thought you could about why oil matters. Let’s just say it’s the lifeblood of your vehicle. Head to the M.O.M. site and play the “M.O.M. Knows Best” game. I would suggest going through this game several times because the questions change. You’ll learn about the terms that you hear at an oil change shop and be able to understand your owners manual. Here are a few ideas of what you’ll learn by taking this “quiz” (and the explanations are given after you choose and answer so you understand the “why” behind it):

How Anti-oxidents affect motor oil

What the best way to warm your car up in the winter is

What SAE means on the oil bottle

The purpose of detergent in motor oil

They also have a section where you can learn about the Facts of Motor Oil!

Do you have any idea what the ‘W' stand for in 5W30?

How often should you change your oil?

Is thicker oil better for your engine?

How do you know if you’re buying quality oil?

Come on ladies, it’s time for us to know what we’re doing. No more getting scammed by mechanics who want to get extra $ out of us simply because we’re women! Want to know what oil will work best in your vehicle to avoid sludge? Click the Choosing Oil Matters tab at the top of the page.

Ladies, have I convinced you yet that there’s a lot to learn about taking care of the heartbeat of your vehicle? If so, then head over to AskPatty.com where you will be able to learn from women experts. There you can get tips from women who know about cars.

You can also find mechanics who are “Certified Female Friendly”!Tire Dealers, Auto Dealers and Service Centers can become Certified through the AskPatty.com program.

AskPatty.com has a few tips for you:

Pump high-quality gasolineAll gasolines are not the same, and no matter what grade of fuel a vehicle requires, it's important to use a high-quality gasoline. Industry research confirms that a clean engine can result in better fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and overall optimal engine performance. Fortunately, keeping the engine clean of performance-robbing "gunk" helps it perform better. It’s as easy as choosing the right gasoline. For example, Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines contain a patented cleaning system that not only cleans, but protects critical engine parts against gunk to help improve engine performance as you drive.

Let the car breathe freeCheck that the air filter isn't clogged. According to the Department of Transportation, replacing a clogged air filter on cars with fuel-injected, computer-controlled gasoline engines can improve acceleration time by around six to 11 percent. This kind of engine is prevalent on most gasoline cars manufactured from the early 1980s onward. Tests suggest that replacing a clogged air filter on an older car with a carbureted engine may improve fuel economy two to six percent under normal replacement conditions or up to 14 percent if the filter is so clogged that it significantly affects drivability.

Regular tune-ups pay off over the long termBefore taking a long trip, visit a trusted professional and make sure your car is properly tuned. Depending on the kind of repair and how well it is performed, regular vehicle maintenance can improve gas mileage by an average of four percent, according to the Department of Energy.

My 18 yr old daughter lives just over an hour from me and I knew she would be needing her oil changed. So, I sent her the $35 gift card to Jiffy Lube that I had received via MyBlogSpark.

Here’s our texting conversation:

Baby: I didn’t get a chance to take a pic (on her cell phone) cuz they came out and met me when I got here. I’ll try after

Me: Ok give me an idea of how they treat u n how their service is

Baby: Well someone was out there before I was even parked and she asked if I wanted an oil change and showed me inside and they got my car, great so far

Baby: So well they are dong an air filter too for 10? I thought that might be good? and a light that was out…

Me: Sounds reasonable. Did u know about the light bulb?

Baby: Nope. the service was great though crap I forgot a pic though

Me: Did u get the interior cleaned n windows washed? Should be part of it which is what the guy told me.

Baby: Yeah, it was really good. And after I was going back in the guy was behind me and said to wait so he could get the door for me, so they had great customer service

Me: Did u seriously take that funky photo?

Baby: (regarding the photo) HA well I was trying to take it nonchalantly

I don’t have service on my phone to send the picture to my computer so I can’t show you where my daughter was when she had her oil changed. It sounds like Jiffy Lube treated her very well and respectful regardless of her age!

Now it’s time for you to win a $35 gift card for Jiffy Lube.

REQUIRED: Play the M.O.M. Knows Best Game and let me know what your score was. Honestly, this will only take a few minutes.

Giveaway open to US Residents 18 yrs and older. Please provide an email or have it available in your profile. No email/contact = No entry. Giveaway ends 5/19, 10pm CDT. Winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email.Extra entries:

Follow Marvelous Mom Reviews (1 entry)

Subscribe by email to Marvelous Mom Reviews (2 entries)

Follow Woven by Words (1 entry)

Follow AskPatty.com on Twitter (1 entry)

Tweet this giveaway "Enter to win a $35 Jiffy Lube Gift Card #giveaway @askpatty We all need an oil change! http://bit.ly/dvI6EN Ladies, this one is focused on U"(1 entry daily)

Fan/Like AskPatty.com on Facebook and tell them “Trying to win a Gift Card from Woven by Words for Jiffy Lube” (2 entries, comment 2x)

Pick one of the questions under the Matters Of Fact tab and give me an answer to the question.

Sign up with Jiffy Lube to receive money saving offers, at the same time, you can download $5 off (2 entries, comment 2x)

Enter any of my other giveaways (1 entry per giveaway)

The information and Jiffy Lube gift cards were all given to me from Shell Lubricants* and MotorOilMatters.org through MyBlogSpark.

I like askpatty on FB and told them m “Trying to win a Gift Card from Woven by Words for Jiffy Lube” http://www.facebook.com/askpattycaradvice?v=app_4949752878#!/askpattycaradvice?v=wall&story_fbid=10150179354715094&ref=mf